Weezer Changes the World by David McPhail

Have I said before that one of my favorite author/illustrators is David McPhail?   I have always loved his illustrations and the stories he tells.   One of my favorite books is Pigs Aplenty, Pigs Galore-- a fun romp that inspires giggles all around. 

Weezer Changes the World by David McPhail makes me love him all over again.   This is a fantastic story about an ordinary dog who gets struck by lightning and becomes so smart that he cures all the worlds ills.   In the end when he is just an ordinary dog again his legacy lives on.....beautifully written in its simplicity.   A great read aloud with wonderful illustrations.     

A Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman

Here is another great poetry book that also won the Newbery Award.   It is a simple book that is now a classic (to think 1989 makes it classic).

A Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman & illus by Eric Beddows is a great book of 14 poems about insects.   This is an excellent book to introduce more mature poetry to children.   It is  for the older child because these poems are meant to be read aloud and in tandem.   I love the idea of poems in two voices.   It makes them sort of performance pieces.   The fact that this book is about insects and creepy crawlies was pure genius on Mr Fleischman's part~that way boys might start to like poetry.   This is a must have for any child to learn to appreciate poetry.

Flashback Tuesday: Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

Since this is still poetry month I thought I would highlight a wonderful book that in my opinion started a trend.   The novel or epic story in verse is nothing really new but this is the first time, in my mind, that it had translated so well to a children's novel.  

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse which has won numerous awards such as the Newbery is an incredible story told in a way that makes it really accessible.   I loved the story of Billie Jo as soon as I read it, the characters are so vivid and the way Ms Hesse describes the Dust Bowl of the Depression years is wonderful.  I think this started one of the better trends in children's publishing because even the reluctant reader could understand and absorb the story.  

This book also enabled those writers who came after it's publication to really play on their strengths.  For example my sister Ann Burg who wrote All the Broken Pieces is really a poet~so telling a story in free verse is so natural for her.  

Any book in poetry form are like I said great for reluctant readers but also make terrific read alouds too.   Something to be enjoyed by all. 

Celebrate Drop Everything And Read Day: Ellen Tebbits by Beverly Cleary

Today is National Drop Everything and Read Day or D.E.A.R.   This is a great day to hightlight the fact that families should get together and read.   To that point I just gave some Harry Potter books to my sister- in- law so that  she and my nephew can read them together.   It is a really good way to spend time with a child in your life.  

Today is Beverly Cleary's birthday which is fitting since she is the national spokesperson for this great event.   I chose to suggest one of my favorite Beverly Cleary books that I remember reading as a child.  

Ellen Tebbits by Beverly Cleary is the story about friendship and misunderstandings.   It is a great book to read together and a great story that is timeless. 

So pick up a book and read with your child....it is an experience that will last a lifetime!

Reference Sunday: Encyclopedia Mythologica: Gods and Heroes by Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda

Back at the beginning of this blog I highlighted Robert Sabuda and his wonderful pop-ups because he is a great favorite of mine.  Before I left a previous job I got the chance to meet both Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart.   It was a real thrill for me. They are really nice and warm people.   They were just publishing Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs: The Definitive Pop-Up.  It was a wonderful to meet them and talk about how they work together.   We even discussed the next book they were working on which was Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Sharks and Other Sea Monsters.   I remember telling Mr Sabuda how my cousin had been killed by a shark in California in a documented case.   He was really interested in my story and wasn't just being polite.   Which is another reason I really like him. 

Now they have written and illustrated Encyclopedia Mythologica: Gods and Heroes~ they have done a spectacular job of writing about the myths from Egyptian, Greek, Norse and even the Far East cultures.   The spreads are awe inspiring as usual.    This is a great book for anyone who loves mythology and history.   It is also a must have for the collectors of Pop-ups~I know quite a few people who are going to love this book.   This is not just for children but for all....Reinhart and Sabuda have done it again!

The Yellow Submarine by The Beatles

Forty years ago today one of the greatest music bands broke up.   It was a sad day for so many people when The Beatles disbanded ~it amazes me that they still mourn the event.   I have always loved Beatles music, I may not be a fanatic, as I enjoy most kinds of music but they are still one of my favorites.   In honor of them I would like to suggest a really great picture book based on one of their most memorable songs.

The Yellow Submarine by the Beatles is based not only on the song but on the animated movie that became iconic.  It is a great way to introduce children to this classic band.   It also makes a great gift for any Beatles fan (although most will probably already own it...). 

Miss Brooks Loves Books (And I Don't) by Barbara Bottner Illus Michael Emberley

Normally I am not one to like a book that panders to teachers and librarian~~I can be a bit jaded that way.  But I can always make an exception.   When I first saw this book on the shelf I thought to myself  "well there is a teacher book"----but was I surprised ~~I loved it!   I couldn't help laughing over the most wonderful of characters.   Missy is like so many children I know, nothing you can say or do will change their mind.   The expressions on her face are priceless as she trys to find a book she can love too.   Michael Emberley is a fantastic illustrator who really gets what it means to be a kid. 

Miss Brooks Loves Books (And I Don't) by Barbara Bottner and illus by Michael Emberley is the perfect book to read now because Sunday April 11th is the start of National Library Week.  As there has been so much talk about cuts to funding for libraries this is the perfect time to support one.   We also need to support our teachers~this book shows us what kinds of educators we need in our schools.   If schools lay off teachers than the teachers who are left will be so stressed that they cannot give an individual child the attention they may need to succeed.   This would be a shame....we need librarians and teachers plain and simple.